The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and for some teams, the fate of an entire season hinges on one guy staying healthy. While a few front offices have a solid Plan B in place, others are crossing their fingers and hoping for the best.
If disaster strikes under center, these 14 franchises could see their seasons unravel fast. Here are the NFL teams walking the thinnest QB tightropes heading into 2025.
14. Detroit Lions
Jared Goff has brought stability and swagger to the Motor City, but he’s one bad hit away from throwing this whole thing into chaos. The backup situation isn’t exactly brimming with experience, and that’s a scary proposition for a team with big-time expectations.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts is the engine of Philly’s offense, and it’s custom-built to fit his unique skill set. If he goes down, the Eagles would have to completely recalibrate—and quickly find someone who can even remotely do what Hurts does.
12. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has Houston buzzing, but the offensive line still feels a bit like a game of musical chairs. One injury and the Texans might have to put their breakout campaign on ice, especially with a paper-thin depth chart behind Stroud.
11. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson is electric when he’s on the field, but staying on the field has already been a challenge. If he misses more time, Indy’s options are limited and largely unproven, which could stall their whole rebuild.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is a magician with the football, but the risk with his high-contact style is always lurking. The Ravens’ offense isn’t built for a plug-and-play backup, which makes every hit feel like it could change their season.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has been the NFL’s cheat code, but even he’s not invincible. The Chiefs don’t have the depth they once did, so an extended absence from Mahomes could finally bring this dynasty back to earth.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence has the tools, but he’s still dealing with inconsistency and the occasional knock. If he misses time, the Jags don’t have a solid safety net, and their offensive weapons might go to waste.
7. Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is tough, but toughness only goes so far if the backups can’t step in and keep things afloat. With a shaky depth chart, the Cowboys could go from contender to catastrophe fast if Dak goes down.
6. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen carries this team on his back—sometimes literally—and the offense is built entirely around his superhero routine. Without him, Buffalo’s playoff hopes would vanish quicker than a folding table at a tailgate.
5. Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy is the future in Minnesota, but he’s coming off an injury and still untested at the pro level. If he falters or gets hurt again, the Vikings don’t have a Plan B that inspires much confidence.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy has been a revelation, but the 49ers’ roster has more injury red flags than a training room. If he misses time, this Super Bowl-ready squad would have to rely on inexperience—or worse, another quarterback carousel.
3. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa is the straw that stirs the Dolphins’ drink, but durability has never been his strong suit. Without him, the offense loses its rhythm, and Miami’s entire season could unravel before Halloween.
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2. Cleveland Browns
With Deshaun Watson already out, the Browns are operating in backup mode with no real parachute. If they suffer another injury at quarterback, things could get ugly fast in Cleveland, again.
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1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are already feeling the heat after Derek Carr’s retirement, and their quarterback room is more hope than help. If rookie Tyler Shough can’t stay upright, this could be a long, painful season in the Big Easy.
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